In November 2010, Nicholas Oakwell attended The Royal Ballet’s re-creation of Frederick Ashton’s ballet ‘Sylvia’ at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. It was then that Nicholas saw the scenic designs of Christopher and Robert Ironwood that would inspire his debut couture collection.
Like ‘Sylvia’ this collection is the story of a huntress and is presented in three acts.
ACT I – Daywear
Embracing the contradiction of warrior silhouettes in feminine fabrics
(cashmere, hand-cut lace, and glove-weight leather)
ACT II – Cocktail
Dramatic and unapologetic gowns and coats
(in cashmere, lace, fur, and silk jersey)
ACT III – Eveningwear and Gala
Diaphanous gowns and show-stopping opera cloaks
(in silk, lace, leather, feathers, and fur)
The silhouettes and prints are inspired by Christopher Ironwood’s production design for the 1952 production of ‘Sylvia’ and by the ballerina who danced Sylvia in that production, Dame Margo Fonteyn.